AU758974B2 - Method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat - Google Patents
Method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU758974B2 AU758974B2 AU13554/00A AU1355400A AU758974B2 AU 758974 B2 AU758974 B2 AU 758974B2 AU 13554/00 A AU13554/00 A AU 13554/00A AU 1355400 A AU1355400 A AU 1355400A AU 758974 B2 AU758974 B2 AU 758974B2
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- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- game
- entertainment
- winning
- credit value
- apparatuses
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
- G07F17/3265—Influencing the position of stopped moving members to achieve a winning arrangement, e.g. nudging, shuffling, holding
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
- A63F2300/404—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network characterized by a local network connection
Description
riUU/U I I 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2(2)
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990
ORIGINAL
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: 4 Invention Title: METHOD FOR OPERATING A COIN ACTUATED ENTERTAINMENT
AUTOMAT
The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us ENTERTAINMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an entertainment apparatus or machine and a method for operating the entertainment apparatus. The entertainment apparatus is actuated by input of a monetary unit, such as a coin or banknote and includes monetary unit acceptance and testing devices, a symbol display device, and a control unit for controlling the course of the game, which has a microcomputer, a credit value counter and a pseudo random number generator.
The expressions "entertainment apparatus" and "entertainment machine" as used in the following description are used as alternate expressions for a gaming (gambling) machine and an entertainment or gaming apparatus that are actuated by monetary units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A circuit arrangement for a gaming machine is known from the German patent DE 2818503 C3, which teaches three roller shaped circulating bodies disposed next to each other with winning symbols disposed on the three circulating bodies. After the first stopping of the three circulating bodies, the middle circulating body can be circulated again and stopped at a randomly determined locking position by way of a follow-up automatic start, which can be Sconnected upon activation of an operating element when a non-winning symbol combination occurs. Thus, while the combination can be improved by way of such circuit arrangement without the need to continuously monitor the incoming symbol combinations resulting from the initial draw, the level of game excitement and tension offered by such a conventional gaming machine is not high for a S user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved entertainment machine with which more game excitement and tension is offered 30 and a further winning chance is offered depending on the skill of the player.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment machine with additional procedural features.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a networked entertainment machine, where the whole network participates in exciting additional winning possibilities.
The apparatus according to the present invention is associated with the advantage that one and all symbol combinations of an initial draw can be changed or improved window by allowing a plurality of further drawing opportunities within a predetermined time. The winning amount depends on the number of winning combinations achieved by the further drawings within the predetermined window.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the determination of the winning value is performed by a base game and a supplemental game. When a predetermined winning combination or a predetermined winning value is reached in the base game, the supplemental game is activated. A predetermined starting combination has to be improved in one or several predetermined winning symbol combinations by an undetermined number of further drawing possibilities within a predetermined time period in the supplemental game. The winning value reached in the supplemental game depends on the number of winning combinations obtained within the predetermined time period.
According to a further embodiment of the invention a plurality of entertainment machines are networked to each other. If a predetermined value of a common jackpot is surpassed, then the entertainment machines are simultaneously switched into a common (supplemental) game. Depending on the game results in the supplemental game, a part share of the jackpot value is determined. Each player who participated in the supplemental game receives a winning value corresponding to their game performance, whereby no discrimination of an individual is performed. The method according to the present invention furthermore is associated with the advantage that a fixed winning value is associated to no winning combination at the start of the game. At the end of 0. the supplemental game it is determined, which winning value is associated with 30 which winning combination.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings, in which are shown several of the various possible embodiments of the present invention: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an entertainment machine with a symbol display device displaying symbols; Figure 2 is a block circuit diagram with the device groups for operating an entertainment machine; Figure 3 is a flow diagram for determining a winning value within a predetermined game time period; Figure 4 is a flow diagram for determining a winning value in a supplemental game; Figure 5 is a flow diagram for determining a winning value with networked entertainment machines, when this entertainment machine assumes a master function; Figure 6 is a flow diagram for determining a winning value for an *entertainment machine operating as a slave in a network; Figure 7 is a flow diagram for determining a jackpot winning value at an 20 entertainment machine operating as a master in a network; and Figure 8 is a flow diagram for determining a jackpot winning value at an entertainment machine operating as a slave.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an entertainment machine 25 (entertainment or gaming apparatus) according to the present invention is tltt.
designated with reference numeral 1 and includes a symbol display device 2, which can be formed as a monitor or as a flat display screen. Operating elements 3 are disposed below the symbol display device 2 such that an operating element 3 is associated with each presented winning symbol shown in the symbol display 30 device 2. Adjacent to the symbol display device 2 a first opening 4 is provided to which is connected a testing device for banknotes. A second opening (coin acceptance device) 5 for receiving coins is disposed below the first opening 4 thus providing a testing device. The entertainment machine 1 further includes a coin collection position (well) not illustrated in detail, which includes a payout device. The first and second openings 4 and 5 for a monetary unit acceptance device. The course control for displaying winning symbols is performed by way of a control unit 7 including a microcomputer 8. The control unit 7 controls the total and complete game course and function course of the entertainment machine 1.
The device groups required for operating an entertainment machine 1 are illustrated as a block circuit diagram in Figure 2. The entertainment machine 1 includes the symbol display device 2 which has a display screen tube or a flat display screen, by way of which symbol combinations are displayed where of winning values different levels are coordinated with some of the symbol combinations. The symbol display device 2 is connected to the control unit 7 by way of an interface of a video controller 6 having a symbol memory storage. The microcomputer 8 of the control unit 7 includes a calculating circuit 9, a control circuit 10 and accumulators 11. Programs, such as a pseudo random number generator program, a winning value recognition program, a display control program, and a winning plan program, are contained in a fixed value memory storage (read only memory ROM) 12. For each entered game, determined pseudo-random numbers are intermediately stored in an operational data memory storage (random access memory RAM) 13. In addition, obtained credit S 20 values are registered in credit value counters and other counters in the operational data memory storage 13.
The control circuit 7 further includes a communications board 20. Display means 21 for displaying a jackpot and a data exchange and data balancing of the entertainment machine 1 disposed in a communications board 20. In addition the microcomputer 8 further includes a serial interface not illustrated. A connection is furnished to the communications board 20 with the serial interface (TTL-level).
The serial interface is formed as an RS 232 interface.
The communications board 20 comprises a self-contained central processing (CPU) 22 (Hitachi 64 180 or a Zilog z80 180) with another serial •30 interface 32 disposed on the CPU side. The CPU 22 coordinates a fixed value memory storage (read only memory RAM) 24 of the 27C 1000/2000 type and a battery buffered operating data storage (random access memory RAM) 25 of the DS 1225/1230Y type. The connection between the CPU 22, the memory components 24 and 25 and a serial communications controller 28 (Zilog Z85 with the serial ports is performed using an address decoder 26, an I/O decoder 27 and a bus. A serial port 29 of the communications controller 28 leads under connection of a power amplifier 30 (MAX483 or MAX487) to the display means 21 formed as a large display field, with which the temporary jackpot standing is displayed. An external personal-computer (not illustrated) is connectable at an interface 31 of the communications controller 28 formed as an RS 232 interface.
An interface adapter 33 is connected at the serial interface 32 also of the communications controller 28 formed as a serial interface RS 485. The interface adapter 33 incudes an optical coupler 35 of the 6 N 136 type for galvanic separation and a power stage 34 successively disposed to the optical coupler The network cabling is connected to the power stage 34.
Next, the networking of a plurality of such entertainment machines according to the present invention is described. Combining a plurality of entertainment machines 1 and the communications of the entertainment machines 1 is performed through the respective communications boards Each communications board 20 carries an individual address number, which is :i once set through a rotary switch. After switching on of an entertainment machine 1 automatic recognition is performed which determines that the entertainment machine 1 performs a master function for a slave function. After the switching on of each one of the entertainment machines 1, the automatic recognition is performed to determine which entertainment machines assume the master function or slave function. After turning on, the entertainment machines wait for a time period of three second (50 milliseconds x the individual address number) for a recognition signal of the master. Since at this point no entertainment machine 1 has assumed the master function, the recognition signal does not appear. In this case the communications board 20 sends after an additional two seconds a master function assumption signal. According to the above time calculation, the entertainment machine 1 with the lowest address number will 30 send this signal first and thus assumes the master function. The remaining communications boards 20 will confirm the receipt of this signal and will behave as slaves in the communications network. The data is actualised, that is the master calls for the data from each individual slave, accumulates the total sum and delivers the data back to the slaves through the communications network every 30 milliseconds x the entertainment machine number in the communications network, such that each communications board 20 contains the same data content. Each slave can assume the master function in the case of a malfunction of the master. Such a system offers the advantage of multimaster capabilities. Each communications board 20 contains its own CPU 22 with the communications software and all data relevant for the control of the system, such that the communications board 20 can therefore assume both the function of a master as well as the function of a slave. Based on this feature it is assured that even upon failure of a master the valid state of data and the overall functioning of the system remains intact with the exception of the original master.
If more than one master should respond after turning on of the entertainment machines 1, that is one master receives the master signal of another master, then the master with the higher address number will deactivate and perform a slave function.
Next, operation of the above entertainment machine network of the present invention is described. After a successful automatic determination of the :i master/slave function, in each case after the turning on of the entertainment machine 1, the communications board 20 delivers a release signal to the control unit 7. A configuration can be performed with a personal-computer (PC) as to what percentage of the game stake is to be delivered to the jackpot through an interface formed as an RS 232 type (not illustrated in detail). The jackpot amount is displayed on the one hand on the symbol display device 2 and on the other hand through the central large display field 21.
A jackpot release value is preset by setting a lower jackpot value and an upper jackpot value. The jackpot release value disposed between the lower preset jackpot value and in the upper preset jackpot value is determined with a S* random number generator of the control unit 7. Upon reaching or surpassing of the jackpot release value, the jackpot is frozen and a jackpot game playout o 30 sequence is started.
The entertainment machine 1 with the master function requests the data from each individual slave every 30 milliseconds and receives the increased amount of the jackpot. These part amounts are accumulated by the master, the 8 actual jackpot value is calculated and is delivered to the slaves through the communications network. Thus, if a jackpot release value is reached or surpassed, then a special jackpot game sequence (common game mode) is activated by the control unit 7, which jackpot game sequence is the same at all entertainment machines 1 and is played for a limited time period.
When the jackpot game sequence is initiated, then the possibility is given to each user of each entertainment machine 1, which is networked and previously played, to achieve a predetermined result within a predetermined time, which is displayed with a video screen. That is, the player has to reach a winning symbol combination predetermined by the entertainment machine after an arbitrary number of games during this time period. The time and manner of the (common) supplemental game (jackpot game sequence) is determined by the game software employed.
A course diagram or flow diagram of the game action is illustrated in Figure 3. The entertainment machine 1 is activated when it is determined that the credit value corresponds to game stake in operational block 36. The total playing time is monitored in an operational block 37. The winning symbols are randomly determined during the complete game time by the control unit 7 and are displayed with the symbol display device 2 (operational block 38). A branching block 39 is activated by the operational block 38 for determining the remaining residual game time. In branching block 40, when residual game time remains, it is determined if an operating element 3 provided on the entertainment machine 1 has been actuated. In the case of no operating element 3 activation, the process returns to the branching block 39.
In the case of activation of an operating element 3 (entry blocks 41 42) it is determined which operating element was actuated. In the case of actuation of an operating element 3 according to the entry block 41, for example, five playing card symbols disposed next to each other are displayed by the symbol display device 2, where the symbol storage includes 20 card symbols, namely ten, Jack, S 30 Queen, King, and ace in all four suits of a deck of cards. In the game some or all of the cards (symbols) may be held by the activation of a hold key provided on the entertainment machine 1. The unheld cards are redrawn and replaced by new cards determined randomly from the card storage in an operational block 43. The winning value of the displayed symbol combination is determined and displayed in operational block 44. Subsequently it is checked in a branching block whether the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display device 2. In the case of the maximum winning value not being reached, the process returns to the operational block 38, where new winning symbols are randomly determined and are displayed with the symbol display device 2. When residual game time remains the winning symbols are displayed with the symbol display device 2 can be held by activation of the operating element (hold key) 3 (operational blocks 42 and 46) or all cards held so far can be "thrown out" (released) by actuation of the entry block 41.
The process returns to the branching block 39 by checking whether the game time has ended. In the case of an ended game, the actualised winning value is determined in an operational block 47 and is displayed with the coordinated display means 21. The process returns to the operational block 36 by checking whether a further credit value for basing a further game stake is present.
In Figure 3 the previously presented game element represents a supplemental game unit according to an embodiment of the present invention :illustrated in Figure 4. The entertainment machine 1 further includes a base 20 game and a supplemental game. Symbol combinations are determined randomly in the case of a credit value corresponding to a game stake in the credit value counter of the entertainment machine 1, where the determined symbol combinations are displayed with the symbol display device 2. If a predetermined winning value is coordinated to the symbol combination displayed by the symbol display device 2 or if a particular symbol combination displayed by the symbol display device 2 or if a particular symbol combination is displayed with the symbol S display device 2, then a switch-over is performed from the base game (operational block 48) to a special game or supplemental game by the control unit 7. A determination of whether a preset jackpot winning value has been reached °i 30 or surpassed for a predetermined symbol combination is made in a branching block 49.
The total game time is monitored by the operational block 37. The winning symbols are randomly determined by the control unit 7 during the total game time S ijz 1 and are displayed with the symbol display device 2 (operational block 38). The branching block 39 for determining the remaining residual game time is activated by the operational block 38. In the case of remaining residual game time, the branching block 40 checks whether an operating element 3 provided on the entertainment machine 1 has been actuated. When no operating element 3 has been actuated the process returns to the branching block 39.
When an operating element 3 is actuated (entry blocks 41 42), a determination is made as to which operating element 3 was actuated. For example, five playing card symbols disposed next to each other are displayed with the symbol display device 2 upon actuation of an operating element 3 according to the entry block 41, where the symbol storage includes 20 card symbols, namely ten, Jack, Queen, King, and ace in all four suits of a deck of cards. Non-held cards are redrawn and replaced by new cards randomly determined from the card storage in the operational block 43. The winning value of the displayed symbol combinations is determined and displayed in the operational block 44. Then it is checked in the branching block 45 whether the maximum winnihg value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display device 2. If the maximum winning value is not reached then the process :returns to the branching block 39, where the game time is checked in the branching block 39, as previously described. When residual game time remains, winning symbols displayed with the symbol display device 2 can be held (operational blocks 42 and 46) by actuating an operating element 3 or all cards held so far can be "thrown out" by actuating the entry block 41.
The process returns to the branching block 39 by checking if the game time has ended. When the game has ended the actualized winning value is :°°determined in the operational block 47 and is displayed with the coordinated too*: display means 21. The process returns to the operational block 36 by checking if
S
S a further credit value sufficient for a game stake is present.
0000 A plurality of entertainment machines 1 of the same construction type are 6 *30 networked to each other according to a further embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 7. The network (operational block 49) is initiated by actuating the power switch of each entertainment machine 1, where one of the entertainment machines 1 assumes the master function according to Figure The remaining entertainment machines 1 present in the network switch to a slave function according to Figure 6. The master function assumes the coordination of the entertainment machines 1 present in the network, in particular with respect to the collection of data through the counter state of the jackpot amount and the release of a common special (supplemental) game, which takes place at all of the entertainment machines 1 present in the network at the same time. Specifically, in the case of a sufficient credit value being exhibited, a symbol combination is randomly determined in operational block 50 and is displayed with the symbol display device 2. An adjustable shared part amount of the game stake of each base game is transferred to a common jackpot counter (operational block 51).
The counter state of the jackpot counter is checked in the block 51 following the determination of the winning value in the base game. If the predetermined jackpot counter state (jackpot amount) is reached or surpassed, then the master (operational block 53) sends a control signal to all of the other entertainment machines 1 present in the network, so that the slaves switch to the special game based on the control signal after termination of the base game. It is monitored in the operational block 54, if an okay (readiness) signal was returned by all slaves which signifies that the slaves are ready for the special game. Then the special game is started at the same time in all of the participating entertainment 20 machines 1.
In the special game, the entertainment machine 1 is activated when the credit value corresponds to a game stake. The total game time is monitored by the operational block 37. The winning symbols are randomly determined by the control unit 7 (not illustrated in detail) and are displayed (the operational block 38) with the symbol display device 2 within the total game time. The branching block 39 determining the remaining residual game time is activated by the operational block 38. When residual game time remains, it is checked in the branching block 40 whether an operating element 3 disposed on the entertainment machine 1 is actuated. The process returns to the branching block 39 if no operating element S 30 was actuated.
When an operating element 3 (entry block 41 42) has been actuated it is checked which operating element 3 was actuated. In the case of actuation of an operating element 3 according to the entry block 41, for example, five playing 12 card symbols disposed next to each other are displayed with the symbol display device 2, where the symbol storage includes 20 playing card symbols, namely ten, Jack, Queen, King and ace in all four suits of a deck of cards. Cards which are not being held are redrawn and replaced by new cards randomly determined from the card storage in the operational block 43. The game result of the displayed symbol combination is determined and displayed in the operational block 44. Then it is determined in the branching block 45, whether the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display device 2. The process returns to the branching block 39 if the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush is displayed with the symbol display device 2.
The process returns to the branching block 39 if the maximum winning value is not reached, wherein the game time is checked in the branching block 39.
Upon reaching of the maximum winning value the process returns to the operational block 38, wherein new winning symbols are randomly determined in the operational block 38 and are displayed with the symbol display device 2.
When residual game time remains, winning symbols displayed with the symbol display device 2 can be held (operational blocks 42 and 46) by actuating S.the operating element 3 or all cards held so far can be "thrown out" by actuating the entry block 41.
The process returns to the branching block 39, where it is checked in the branching block 39 whether the game time has ended.
When the game time has ended the individual results of the slave entertainment machines 1 are scanned (operational block 55) by the master entertainment machine 1. The incoming game results are accumulated by the master and are communicated to the slaves (operational block 56). Then the winning value is determined in operational block 57. The determined winning value is displayed (operational block 58) with the coordinated display means 21 of the respective entertainment machine 1. The process returns, displaying the winning value, to the operational block 50 to check the game stake.
The function of the courses and function flows of a slave entertainment machine are illustrated as a block diagram in Figure 6. The network (operational block 49) is initiated by actuating the power switch of each of the entertainment ~~nachines 1, wherein one of the entertainment machines 1 assumes the master function according to Figure 5. The remaining entertainment machines 1 contained in the network switch to slave operation. In the slave function predetermined data is transmitted continuously to the master after receiving a request there from. A symbol combination is randomly determined in the operational block 50 when a sufficient credit value occurs and is displayed with the symbol display device 2. An adjustable share part of the stake of each base game is transmitted to a common jackpot counter.
After the determination of the winning value in the base game, it is checked in branching block 59, if an instruction is present from the master to start the special game. The receipt of the instruction to start the special game is to be confirmed to the master (operational block Specifically the entertainment machine 1 is activated when a credit value corresponds to at least a game stake. It is checked by an operational block 61, if the master signal for the special game is present. The winning symbols are randomly determined by the control unit 7 (not illustrated in detail) during the complete game time and the winning symbols are displayed (the operational block 38) with the symbol display device 2. The branching block 39 for determining the remaining residual game time is activated by the operational block 38. When residual game time remains it is checked in the branching block 20 40 whether an operating element 3 furnished on the entertainment machine 1 is actuated. The process returns to the branching block 39 when no actuation of an operating element 3 took place.
On the other hand, when an operating element 3 (entry blocks 41 42) is actuated, it is checked which operating element 3 was actuated. For example, five playing card symbols disposed next to each other are displayed on the symbol display device 2 upon actuation of an operating element 3 according to the entry block 41, wherein the symbol storage includes 20 card symbols, namely ooo., ten, Jack, Queen, King, and ace in all four suits of a deck of cards. Cards which are not being held are redrawn and replaced by new cards randomly determined goeso• 30 from the card storage in the operational block 43. The game result of the displayed symbol combinations is determined and displayed in the operational block 44. Then it is determined in the branching block 45 whether the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display 14 device 2. If the maximum winning value is not reached, the process returns to the branching block 39, wherein the game time is checked in the branching block 39.
Upon reaching the maximum winning value, the process returns to the operational block 38, wherein new wining symbols are randomly determined in the operational block 38 and wherein the new winning symbols are displayed with the symbol display device 2. When residual game time remains, winning symbols displayed with the symbol display device can be held (operational blocks 42 and 46) by actuating the operating element 3 or all cards held so far can be "thrown out" by actuating the entry block 41.
The process returns to the branching block 39 by checking if the game time has ended. Further, the process returns to the operational block 36 by checking if a further credit value sufficient for a game stake is present.
Then the individual game results of the slave entertainment machines 4 are scanned by the master entertainment machine 1. The incoming game results are accumulated by the master and are communicated to the slaves (operational block 62, Figure Subsequently a winning value is determined in the operational block 57, wherein the winning value is coordinated to the winning symbol combination of the respective entertainment machine 1. The determined winning value is displayed with the coordinated display means 21 of the 20 respective entertainment machine 1 (operational block 58). The process returns, displaying the winning value, to the operational block 50 to check the game stake.
The jackpot winning amount, for example, is subdivided into ten equal or unequal amounts, wherein the equal or unequal amounts are played out in the special game or the supplemental game according to a further embodiment of the 25 present Invention shown in the flow chart diagram of Figure 7. Specifically, the .*000 symbols of a poker hand are displayed with the symbol display device 2. A starting symbol combination is presented and displayed randomly, wherein the 0. starting symbol combination can be improved upon by one time or multiple redrawing. The amount available for paying out is fed to the game apparatus S 30 (entertainment machine) which has achieved the highest winning value according to the wining plan in the respective play. An automatic determination is made as to which entertainment machines 1 in the network assume the master or slave function upon initiation of the entertainment machines 1. The communication is b S performed to the respective communications boards 20. Each communications board 20 is associated with an individual address number, wherein the individual address number is set once through a rotary switch. After switching on of each entertainment machine 1, automatic recognition of which machines 1 assume the master function or slave function is performed. The entertainment machines 1 wait for a time period of three second plus (50 milliseconds x individual address number) for a recognition signal of the master after switching on. Since at this point in time no entertainment machine 1 has yet assumed the master function, the recognition signal does not appear. In this case the communications board 20 sends a master function assumption signal after a further two seconds. The entertainment machine 1 with the lowest address number will send out this signal first and assume the master function (operational block 49) according to the above described time calculation. Then it is checked by the entertainment machine 1 if a credit value amount permitting a game stake is present, and if so, the base game is started (operational block 50). The jackpot amount is collected in parallel in the operational block 51 of the master. The jackpot state is continuously checked by the master (branching block 52). If the jackpot amount reaches a predetermined limiting value, a recognition sequence is sent (operational block 63) by the master entertainment machine 1 to the slave entertainment machines 1. At the same time the master communicates to the slaves how many times special games or supplemental games have to be started. If the master has received the return message (operational block 65) of all of the slave entertainment machines 1, then a supplemental game is started (operational block 65) at the same time at all of the entertainment machines 1. It .0 25 is randomly determined from the symbol storage of a poker hand, which symbols S are displayed (operational block 66). Then it is checked in the branching block 0.00 whether an operating element 3 was actuated. In the case of operating element 3 actuation (entry blocks 41 42), it is checked which operating element 3 was 0 actuated. In the case of actuation of an operating element 3 according to the el•Oo: S 30 entry block 41, playing card symbols are displayed with the symbol display device 2. Cards which are not being held are redrawn and replaced by randomly determined new cards from the card storage in operational block 43.
16 Upon actuation of a hand out key (entry block 41) the cards not being held or winning symbols not being held are replaced by randomly determined new winning symbols. The start of the new game is synchronized in the other entertainment machines 1 in a following operational block 67. The individual game results of each entertainment machine 1 are fed to the master entertainment machine 1 (operational block 58), wherein the master entertainment machine 1 collects and accumulates the individual game results.
The obtained game results are communicated to the slaves in a following operational block 69. The winning value coordinated to each obtained symbol combination is communicated to the master entertainment machine 1. The winning value coordinated to the obtained symbol combination is subsequently determined by each slave (operational block 70) and is displayed with the display means of the respective entertainment machine 1. The process returns to branching block 71 to check whether a predetermined number of games has been preformed. Then the winning value displayed in operational block 58 is activated by the branching block 71, and the process returns to the entry operational block 50 for determining a game entitling credit value.
The function course and flow diagram of a slave entertainment machine 1 during a special game or a supplemental game is illustrated in Figure 8 by way of 20 a block circuit diagram. The automatic determination is performed during initiation of operations of the entertainment machines 1 as to which entertainment machines 1 of the network assume the master function or the slave function. The communication is performed to the respective communications board 20. Each communications board 20 has an associated individual address number, where the individual address number is set once by a rotary switch. After switching on of each one of the entertainment machines 1, the entertainment machines 1 wait for a time period of three seconds plus (50 milliseconds x individual address number) for a recognition signal of the master. Since at this point in time no entertainment machine 1 has assumed the master function, the recognition signal S 30 does not appear. In this case the communications board 20 sends a master function assumption signal after a further two seconds. The entertainment machine 1 with the lowest address number will send out this signal first and assume the master function (operational block 49) and all of the remaining entertainment machines 1 will assume the slave function according to the above described time calculation. Then the entertainment machine 1 checks if a credit value amount permitting a game stake is present and if so, the base game is started (operational block 50). The slave checks continuously (branching block 52) if the master has communicated that the jackpot was released. The master also communicates to the slaves how many times the special games or supplemental games have to be started. If the confirmation message of all the slave entertainment machines 1 is present at the master, then the supplemental game is started (operational block 65) at the same time at all of the entertainment machines 1. It is randomly determined from the symbol storage of a poker hand, which symbols are to be displayed (operational block 66). It is randomly determined from the symbol storage of a poker hand, which symbols are to be displayed (operational block 66). It is checked in the branching block 40 whether an operating element 3 was actuated. In the case of an actuation of an operating element 3 (entry blocks 41 42) it is checked which operating element 3 was actuated. Playing card symbols are displayed with the symbol display device 2 upon actuation of an operating element 3 according to the entry block 41. Cards which are not held are redrawn and replaced by new cards randomly determined from the card storage in the operational block 43.
20 Upon actuation of a hand out key (entry block 41), the cards not being held or winning symbols not being held are replaced by winning symbols randomly determined. The start of a new game is synchronized in the entertainment machines 1 in the following operational block 67. The individual game results of each entertainment machine 1 are fed to the master entertainment machine 1 25 (operational block 58), wherein the master entertainment machine 1 collects and accumulates the individual game results and communicates the individual game results to the slaves. The winning value associated with the obtained symbol combination is determined by each slave (operational block 70) and is displayed with a display means of the respective entertainment machine 1. The process returns to branching block 71 to check whether the predetermined number of games has been performed. The winning value display in operational block 58 is activated by the branching block 71 and the process returns to the entry
S
IC
18 operational block 50 for determining a presence of a credit value entitling a game to be played.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of game system configurations and playout procedures differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in the context of a method for operating an entertainment machine, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
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Claims (9)
1. A method for operating an entertainment apparatus including a monetary unit acceptance device, a testing device, a control unit, a symbol display device, and an operating element, the control unit having a credit value counter, a microcomputer and a pseudo-random number generator, the method including the steps of: inputting a monetary unit into the monetary unit acceptance device; testing the monetary unit in the testing device so as to generate a credit value in the credit value counter; playing a game on the entertainment apparatus, when a predetermined credit value in the credit value counter occurs, by generating at least one combination of symbols under control of the control unit and displaying the generated symbol combination with the symbol display device when a predetermined symbol combination is generated; influencing the course of the game by allowing the actuation of the operating element for a predetermined time period so as to substitute at least one of the symbols of the displayed symbol combination with symbols randomly generated by the pseudo-random number generator, thereby enabling the generation of a plurality of winning symbol combinations according to the game within the predetermined time period; and accumulating all of the winnings obtained within the predetermined time period in the credit value counter.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of entertainment apparatuses are networked together, the method further including the steps of: simultaneously switching the entertainment apparatuses on which a game is being played into a common game mode when a predetermined symbol see* combination or a predetermined credit value of a common credit value counter occurs; determining which of the entertainment apparatuses has reached the highest winning value according to the common game within a second time period predetermined by the control unit; and assigning the winnings to the entertainment apparatus which achieved the highest wining within the limited time period of the common game mode.
3. A method for operating an entertainment apparatus, including the steps of: inserting payment into the entertainment apparatus; activating a game time in which a game involving drawing of cards associated with a deck of playing cards is played after receiving the payment; randomly drawing all cards so as to generate a combination of a plurality of cards; determining if the game time has expired, and if the game time has expired, displaying any winning values associated with the drawn card combination in accordance with the game, or if the game time has not expired, determining whether a key of the entertainment apparatus has been depressed, and if the key has been depressed, determining whether the depressed key is a hand-out key or a hold key, and if the depressed key is the hold key, holding the drawn card combination, or if the depressed key is the hand out key, randomly re- drawing the cards which are not being held; and determining whether the drawn card combination corresponds to a particular winning combination in accordance with the game, and if the particular winning combination occurs, repeating the random drawing of all cards, or if the particular winning combination does not occur, determining again if the game time has expired.
4. A method according to claim 3, further including the steps of: determining whether a special card combination or a jackpot winning value has occurred after inserting payment into the entertainment apparatus.
A method according to claim 3, further including the steps of: networking a plurality of entertainment apparatuses together; determining which one of the entertainment apparatuses assumes a master function; determining which one or ones of the entertainment apparatuses assumes a slave function; determining if a jackpot amount has reached a predetermined release amount; initiating a jackpot game on the one or more entertainment apparatuses performing the slave function; waiting until the one or more slave apparatuses are ready to play the jackpot game; activating the game time for the entertainment apparatuses once the one or more slave apparatuses are ready; randomly drawing all cards; determining if the game time has ended; collecting the game results of the one or more slave apparatuses with the master apparatus; distributing the game results to the one or more slave apparatuses from the master apparatus; calculating the winning amount based on the game results; and displaying the winning amount.
6. A method according to claim 5, further including the steps of: :the one or more slave apparatuses sending a readiness signal to the master apparatus to indicate the readiness thereof to begin the jackpot game; and the one or more slave apparatuses waiting for an activation of the game time by the master apparatuses before starting the jackpot game.
7. An entertainment apparatus, including: a Ia monetary unit acceptance device for accepting the input of a monetary unit; :unt a testing device for testing the input monetary unit so as to generate a credit value; S:a control unit having a microcomputer, a pseudo-random number generator, and a credit value counter for counting the generated credit value; 6 P F\I a symbol display device for displaying a predetermined combination of symbols generated during the course of a game played on the entertainment apparatus; and an operating element, wherein the entertainment apparatus is configured to play a game when the credit value counter counts a predetermined credit value, the control unit is configured to generate at least one symbol combination during the course of said game, the symbol display device is configured to display the generated symbol combination and the operating element is allowed to be actuated for a predetermined time period if the generated symbol combination corresponds to the predetermined symbol combination, the control unit is configured to substitute at least one of the symbols of the displayed symbol combination with symbols randomly generated by the pseudo- random number generator upon actuation of the operating element, thereby enabling the generation of a plurality of winning symbol combinations according to the game within the predetermined time period, and the credit value counter is configured to accumulate all of the winnings obtained within the predetermined time period.
8. A method for operating an entertainment apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
9. An entertainment apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. DATED this 13th day of January 2003 *fe ATRONIC INTERNATIONAL CASINO TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTION (GMBH) WATERMARK PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA CJS/DCG/CMM r
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19903063 | 1999-01-26 | ||
| DE19903063 | 1999-01-26 |
Publications (2)
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| AU1355400A AU1355400A (en) | 2000-07-27 |
| AU758974B2 true AU758974B2 (en) | 2003-04-03 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU13554/00A Ceased AU758974B2 (en) | 1999-01-26 | 2000-01-25 | Method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20040266531A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1024464A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU758974B2 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10000293A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10148056A1 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2003-04-17 | Atronic Int Gmbh | Method for determining a win value when a game result is achieved on a coin-operated amusement machine |
| US20100240462A1 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2010-09-23 | Hung-Ta Yeh | Screen rack structure for coin operating game machine |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2144568A (en) * | 1981-02-06 | 1985-03-06 | Barcrest Ltd | Entertainment machines |
| EP0338644A2 (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1989-10-25 | D&D Gaming Patents, Inc. | Apparatus for progressive jackpot gaming |
| WO1996025725A2 (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1996-08-22 | Elton Fabrications Ltd. | Game machine for a number of players |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2818503C2 (en) | 1978-04-27 | 1986-11-20 | Paul 4992 Espelkamp Gauselmann | Circuit arrangement for a slot machine |
| US5033744A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1991-07-23 | Bridgeman James L | Card playing apparatus with single card discard feature |
| US5116055A (en) * | 1991-07-02 | 1992-05-26 | Mikohn, Inc. | Progressive jackpot gaming system linking gaming machines with different hit frequencies and denominations |
| DE4434128C2 (en) * | 1994-09-23 | 2000-08-31 | Atronic Casino Technology Dist | Method for operating an amusement machine with a display means for displaying symbols |
| DE4434129C2 (en) * | 1994-09-23 | 1999-03-25 | Atronic Casino Technology Dist | Method for determining the stopping positions of rotating bodies of a gaming device of a gaming machine |
| DE19624321A1 (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1998-01-02 | Atronic Casino Technology Dist | Procedure for determining a proportional jackpot profit |
| US6248016B1 (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 2001-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Electronic gaming device and method for operating same |
| DE19929865A1 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2001-01-04 | Atronic Int Gmbh | Method for determining a win value when a game result is achieved on a coin-operated amusement machine |
-
2000
- 2000-01-07 EP EP00100343A patent/EP1024464A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-01-07 DE DE10000293A patent/DE10000293A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-01-25 AU AU13554/00A patent/AU758974B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2003
- 2003-12-15 US US10/734,976 patent/US20040266531A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2144568A (en) * | 1981-02-06 | 1985-03-06 | Barcrest Ltd | Entertainment machines |
| EP0338644A2 (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1989-10-25 | D&D Gaming Patents, Inc. | Apparatus for progressive jackpot gaming |
| WO1996025725A2 (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1996-08-22 | Elton Fabrications Ltd. | Game machine for a number of players |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1355400A (en) | 2000-07-27 |
| DE10000293A1 (en) | 2000-07-27 |
| US20040266531A1 (en) | 2004-12-30 |
| EP1024464A1 (en) | 2000-08-02 |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |